City Places Restrictions on Grasses

Cumberland city officials voted this week to place restrictions on exactly where residents can plant ornamental grasses, such as bamboo- although it was not unanimous. City Administrator Jeff Rhodes said that nuisance complaints are on the rise in Cumberland, and the city sends out 400 to 600 letters every year to negligent property owners. Officials won’t get involved in a weed complaint until the growth exceeds 12 inches. Councilwoman Mary Beth Pirolozzi said that she initially had reservations about the ornamental grasses ordinance- and councilman Nick Scarpelli said expressed concerns with how the new ordinance would be enforced.